Understanding Sports Betting Legality in Canada

Many people ask, is sports betting legal in Canada? The answer is yes, as sports betting is legal in Canada, but there is one big provision. Canadians can legally bet on sports as long as they are at online sportsbooks that are:

• Provincially regulated or
• Offshore and hold a license from a recognized gaming body. 

The gambling laws in Canada can be a little confusing. The reason is that provincially regulated sportsbooks are available to residents of that province, but, under Canadian sports betting laws, players can legally wager on sports from offshore sportsbooks. While provincial regulation is in place, the federal government allows offshore-licensed sports betting sites that accept Canadian players to offer their services. 

This article will cover the legality of sports betting for Canadian players, why it matters to Canadian bettors, and the sports betting landscape in the country. It will not cover legal specifics, which can be seen in the full legal guide here. 

The Canadian Sports Betting Landscape 

Sports betting has been legal in Canada since 1985, when players could make parlay bets.

In 2021, a bill was amended to allow single-event betting, opening the market for provincially regulated and offshore sports betting. 

Today, Canadian players can legally bet through:

• Provincially regulated sportsbooks

• Offshore sportsbooks holding recognized licenses

Why Sports Betting Laws in Canada Can Feel Confusing

Canadian sports betting laws can seem confusing for several reasons.

Two Types of Legal Sportsbooks

There are two categories of legal sportsbooks:

1. Provincially regulated sportsbooks

2. Offshore sportsbooks with recognised licenses

Provincially regulated sportsbooks are only available to residents of that specific province. Offshore sportsbooks are based outside Canada but legally accept Canadian players if properly licensed.

No Federal Sports Betting Regulator

Sports betting in Canada is not regulated at the federal level. Instead:

• Provinces regulate their own sportsbooks

• Offshore sportsbooks operate under international gaming bodies

Provincial Differences

Ontario is currently the only province with an open market for online sports betting, allowing third-party operators such as BetMGM and DraftKings to operate.

Other provinces run government-controlled platforms. Alberta is considering opening its market, and other provinces may follow.

Despite these structural differences, sports betting remains legal nationwide.

Even with the confusing sports betting laws, it is still 100% legal for Canadian players to bet on sports. 

What Changed with Single-Event Sports Betting?

Before 2021, only parlay betting was legal in Canada. A parlay combines multiple events (legs) into one wager.

In 2021, the law was amended to legalize single-event betting — wagering on the outcome of a single event.

Examples include:

• Betting on the winner of a Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames NHL game

• Betting on whether total goals in a game go over or under six

Single-event betting expanded options for Canadian bettors. In addition to parlays, players can now place:

• Straight bets

• Match or game winner bets

• Totals

• Proposition bets

• Live bets

Single-event betting expanded legal options, as provincial and licensed offshore sportsbooks offer tons of single-event bets rather than just one option: a parlay wager. 

Can Canadians Bet Online Legally?

Can Canadians Bet Online Legally?

Yes. Canadians can legally bet online at:

• Provincially licensed sportsbooks

• Offshore sportsbooks holding recognized licenses

Provincially Regulated Sportsbooks

These sportsbooks are available only to residents of the province and are regulated by government-run agencies.

Examples include:

• Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

• British Columbia Lottery Corporation

Licensed Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks are not based in Canada but are legal for Canadians if licensed by recognized gaming authorities such as:

• Curaçao eGaming

• Malta Gaming Authority

• Kahnawake Gaming Commission

Both provincial regulators and gaming bodies will set the rules that sportsbooks must follow. Also, if any player has an issue that cannot be resolved with the sportsbook, they can seek assistance from provincial regulators or international gaming bodies. 

Is Sports Betting Legal in Every Province?

• Sports betting is legal in every province in Canada. Each province has a government-run agency that licenses and regulates sports betting in that province. 
• The provinces decide how sports betting is offered within their borders. While it will be similar in all provinces, there are some differences. Players who wager on sports at provincial sportsbooks must adhere to the specific rules and regulations. 
• In addition to provincial sportsbooks, players across Canada can legally bet at licensed offshore sports betting platforms.
  You can read much more information about province-specific details here. 

What Makes a Sportsbook Legal in Canada?

Now that we have answered the question of is sports betting is legal in Canada and covered the online betting law, what makes a sportsbook legal in Canada?

A sportsbook is legal in Canada if it is either:

• Provincially regulated
  or

• Offshore and properly licensed

Legal sportsbooks prioritise:

• Security measures to protect personal and financial information

• Clear privacy policies

• Responsible gambling tools

• Secure deposit and withdrawal options

Common responsible gambling tools include:

• Deposit limits

• Betting limits

• Time limits

• Self-exclusion options

These features help ensure player protection and regulatory compliance.

What This Means for Canadian Bettors

The legality of sports betting in Canada benefits Canadian players. First and foremost, with a provincial or licensed offshore sportsbook, they know they are legally betting on sports safely and securely. 

The rules set by sportsbook regulators are clear, and players must follow them. At legitimate sports betting platforms available to Canadians, there are also consumer protections in place, providing another layer of security and making them feel comfortable betting there. Also, with legal sportsbooks, players from Canada can feel comfortable choosing them, since they are safe and secure, whether provincial or offshore licensed. 

Where to Learn More About Sports Betting Laws in Canada

On our site, you can learn more about laws on gambling in terms of is sports betting legal in Canada. You will find useful information about sports betting in Canada. Other available information includes Betting Apps, sportsbook bonuses like Free Bets, and Top online sportsbooks.